Business model transfer mechanism: A study about spin-off entrepreneurship based on the grounded theory

Abstract

Purpose

Starting from corporate entrepreneurship, spin-off entrepreneurship and business model theory, this paper aims to examine the key influential factors and inherent mechanism in the process of business model transfer from parent enterprise to spin-off start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded theory method is fit for constructing theoretical models, which can discover and interpret phenomenon and activities. According to the guidance of theoretical sampling and other core principles in grounded theory, this study extracts two parent enterprises named Haier and Phnix and lots of spin-offs derived from them.

Findings

This paper presents the theoretical framework that business models transfer from parents to spin-offs and probes into the embedding logic and connection relationship between factors and categories in this process, such as preconditions, incubation veins, business model elements, stripping mechanism and independent operations.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study is focused on the manufacturing industry, the main characteristics, comparative advantages, governance rules summarized from transfer activities of business model in spin-off entrepreneurship can also bring inspirations to both parent enterprises and spin-off start-ups.

Originality/value

Excavates process and mechanism of business model transfer from internal to external, extends the theoretical perspectives about existing related theories such as corporate entrepreneurship, spin-off entrepreneurship and business model theory and reveals new approaches and methods on business model design, which is different from the past way.

Citation

Li, Z., He, S., Ning, J., Liu, Z., Zhang, J. and Du, X. (2020), "Business model transfer mechanism: A study about spin-off entrepreneurship based on the grounded theory", Nankai Business Review International, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 44-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/NBRI-06-2019-0021